10 Interesting Facts about The Florida Silver Palm Tree

Some trees were just created to make earth beautiful. One of these trees is the Florida silver palm’s (the botanical name is Coccothrinax argentata). You have probably come across palm trees near the beach or other environments. Florida silver palm trees are common in USDA zones 10B through 11. Here are ten interesting facts about the Florida silver palm tree you probably didn’t know:

1. The Florida Silver Palm Tree was Designated a Threatened Species

As the number of Florida silver palm trees reduced, their population was limited to protected zones. In 1979, the Florida Committee on Rare and Endangered Plants and Animals declared the Florida silver palm tree a ‘threatened’ species. In 1993 the Florida Department of Agriculture classified the palm tree as ‘endangered.’

2. If You Plant a Florida Silver Palm Tree, it Might Outlive You

The longevity of the Florida silver palm tree is unknown. However, studies show that palm trees can live for more than a century. Palm trees can be traced back to over 5000 years ago, during the Mesopotamian era. Palm trees may also be the oldest, as their old cells aren’t replaced with new ones as the tree grows. So, if you plant a Florida silver palm tree today, it will definitely outlive you!

3. You Can Estimate the Age of a Florida Silver Palm Tree by Its Height

Usually, the age of trees is estimated by counting the concentric layers of the xylem as they are laid by the vascular cambium. However, that’s not the case with palm trees, as they lack meristematic tissues as their stems mature early.

Florida silver palm tree’s stem doesn’t grow in diameter, but the length does increase annually. In addition, its leaves grow and leave a mark on the stem once it falls off. The scars on the stem can help determine the height of the tree. With the height, you can calculate the tree’s growth in a year and divide it by its total height to estimate its age.

4. Florida Silver Palm Trees Multiply by Insect Pollination

Due to their height, the assumption is that palm tree flowers are wind pollinated. However, that’s not the case, as species of insects are fond of the silver palm tree. The Florida silver palm tree has white, cream, or gray flowers that hide within the leaves. The flowers produce fleshy fruits that are purple in color and a delicacy to the wildlife.

5. The Longest Florida Silver Tree Ever Recorded Was 29 Feet

The largest Florida silver palm tree ever recorded stood at 29 feet. With its height, its estimated age was 188 years. Typical Florida silver palm trees grow to a height of 6-7 feet with a spread of 6-7 feet.

6. The Florida Silver Palm Trees Has Palmate Leaves

Palm trees have either palmate or pinnate leaves. The Florida silver palm tree has palmate leaves and a spiral arrangement. In addition, the leaves are evergreen with a green, blue or blue-green silver color. These star-shaped leaves grow to about 18-36 inches.

7. Florida Silver Palm Trees’ Natural Habitat is the Coastal Region

Florida palm trees do well in regions with clay, sand, loam, alkaline or acidic, well-drained soils. The trees have a high drought resistance and tolerance to aerosol salt. The trees grow in full sunlight or partial sun and shade. The Florida silver palm tree does well in rocky, calcareous soil in the coastal regions.

8. Lethal Bronzing Disease is Slowly Killing Florida Silver Palm Trees

Over the years, the lethal bronzing disease has gone from a small infestation to a severe problem. The bacterial infection attacks the trees causing the leaves to dry and assume a bronze color. Unfortunately, there is a minimal chance of recovery, so eventually, the leaves die and fall off.

9. Florida Silver Palm Trees can be Successfully Grown in Lawns and Gardens

You can plant the Florida silver palm tree anywhere with the right type of soil and adequate sunlight. This even grows the trees in containers on your patio. You can transfer the trees to the garden or lawn as they grow.

Palm trees rarely need water, but they need lots of sunlight. So if you plant them, you’ll have to wrap the trees with frost cloth during winter to reduce possible damage.

10. The Florida Silver Palm Tree Is Native to Florida but Has Other Habitats

Florida silver palm trees are native to south Florida. However, the trees can grow in other habitats like Colombia, southeast Mexico, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the southwest Caribbean.

What are the Uses of the Florida Silver Palm Tree?

The Florida silver palm tree has many uses, including;

• The palmate leaves are dried and used as straw. Straw helps make mats, baskets, and hats.
• The leaves are well arranged and used as roofing.
• The fruits are a snack for birds, deer, and other wildlife.
• The palm leaves are a symbol of peace in Judaism and Christianity.
• Source of shade
• Lumber from palm trees is used for construction.
• The Florida palm tree is planted in commercial and residential landscapes due to its aesthetic value.
• The trees can make a decent accent shrub border if grown together in a line.

What Are Other Names of the Florida Silver Palm Tree?

The taxonomy of the Florida silver palm tree is fascinating because it was first described as Palma argentata by Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin in 1803. However, the genus was changed in 1939 by Liberty Hyde Bailey, and he classified it under Coccothrinax hence its scientific name Coccothrinax argentata.

The Florida silver palm tree is also known by other names like;

• Thatch palm
• Bay top palm
• Silver thatch palm

How Long Can a Florida Silver Palm Tree Live?

The oldest Florida silver palm tree ever recorded was approximately 188 years. Typical Florida silver palm trees have a life span of 100 years if grown in the right conditions. Few pests and diseases attack the Florida silver palm trees, contributing to their long life.